Bradley Wigginshas been released from hospital following his crash the previous evening.

The Olympic champion was taking part in a training ride, as he begins his preparations for serious training ahead of next season, when he was in collision with a van.

He was treated by the roadside in Wrightington, not far from his home in Eccleston, Lancashire, before being transferred to hospital.

Wiggins, who also won the Tour de France this year, suffered rib and hand injuries and was kept in hospital overnight.

Following treatment, he was released from hospital on Thursday afternoon - being driven away in a car.

Shane Sutton, head coach of the GB cycling team, has been hospitalised with bleeding on the brain following a road accident while on his bike.

A spokesperson for British Cycling said: "British Cycling has confirmed that Shane Sutton, head coach for the GB Cycling Team, was involved in an incident this morning on the A6 near Levenshulme in Manchester.

"Shane was taken into hospital where it was identified he has suffered bruising and bleeding on the brain.

"Shane was wearing a helmet. He is set to undergo more tests, and is likely to stay in hospital for the next few days.

"It is extremely rare that our riders and coaches are hurt while out cycling on the road, even rarer that two incidents should occur in a short space of time, and we wish Shane and Bradley a speedy recovery."